Photophobia is a fairly common symptom. For many people, photophobia is not due to any underlying disease. Severe photophobia may be associated with eye problems and cause severe eye pain even in relatively low light.

The discomfort of light sensitivity can be reduced by avoiding sunlight, closing the eyes, wearing dark glasses, or darkening the room. However, the cause for the light sensitivity should be determined, since proper treatment may cure the problem. Seek urgent medical attention if pain is moderate to severe in low-light conditions.

Call your health care provider if:

Call your doctor if light sensitivity is severe. For example, if you need to wear sunglasses indoors.

Also call if the sensitivity occurs with headaches, red eye or blurred vision or does not go away in a day or two.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The doctor will perform a physical examination , including an eye exam. You may be asked the following questions:

When did the light sensitivity begin?

Does it hurt all the time or just sometimes?

How bad is it?

Do you need to wear dark glasses or stay in dark rooms?

Did a doctor recently dilate your pupils?

Do you use contact lenses?

Have you used soaps, lotions, cosmetics, or other chemicals around your eyes?